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What happens when some serious horse people get together to try to better the sport? We’re about to find out. On this episode, we’re talking about what’s next for the Thoroughbred aftercare industry and do weight-loss drugs exist for horses? Thanks for tuning in.
Guests and Links Episode 146:
Host: Justine Griffin, Award Winning Journalist with Down Magazine
Host: Jessica Payne, International Event Rider for Payne Equestrian
Host: Ellie Woznica Owner/Trainer of Double Barrel Creek
Drink Recipe: Negroni Blanco
Guest: Daniel Geitner, Grand Prix Show jumper and owner DFG Stables in Aiken & Ocala with his wife, Cathy
Guest: Kirsten Green, Retired Racehorse Project
Featured Image: Heels Down
Link: Germany wins at Longines at WEC
Link: Tamie Smith wins three divisions at Carolina
Link: GLP-1s for horses?
Product Review: Heels Down Holiday Gift Guide | Email Justine at [email protected]
Subscribe: The Brief | Heels Down Spark | Donate | Our Patreon
Join our Facebook Group: Search for “Heels Down Happy Hour Podcast Lounge“
This episode is presented by: HITS, Ecogold, and listeners like you! Thank you to our sponsors!

This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast episode, sponsored by Zoetis, is with Derek Braun, the competition organizer of the FEI World Cup™ Finals Forth Worth 2026. We talked to Derek in mid-February as he and his team were busily preparing to host this premier event in Fort Worth, Texas.
To give you a little more background on Derek, he grew up in New York and competed on the hunter/jumper circuit as a junior, winning the 2001 U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF) Talent Search Finals – East and team gold at the 2002 USEF Junior Jumper National Championships at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show. After graduating from Rollins College in 2007, Derek turned professional and started his training and sales business, Split Rock Farm. He competed successfully at the national and international levels, including as a member of the U.S. Nations Cup team in Brazil in 2013.
Derek realized he wanted to shift his focus from competing to organizing competitions, and in 2015, he created the Split Rock Jumping Tour. Today, the hunter/jumper series runs 10 shows in four cities, stretching from Lexington, Kentucky, to Los Angeles, California. Derek and his team are also taking on the job as the organizers of the FEI World Cup™ Finals Forth Worth 2026 from April 8-12, which consists of the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Final and the Zen Elite FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.
In our discussion, Derek talks about special horses from his riding career, how he got into competition organizing, details about the FEI World Cup Finals and more.
About This Episode’s Sponsor, Zoetis
Has your horse experienced lameness? Did you know that your veterinarian can use the healing power of your horse’s own blood to help manage lameness, joint pain and more? The Pro-Stride APS regenerative medicine device is designed to help keep horses feeling and performing at their best. Ask your vet if Pro-Stride APS may be a great option to help support your horse’s joint health journey. Zoetis is always by your side in the barn, down the centerline and everywhere in between.
Learn more at zoetis.com.

Get ready for Horse Husband Day with Benjamin Tutt, the fly-fishing bum who traded city life for hay fields and managed to meet the equestrian standards. We also take a heartfelt look back at the incredible life of Monty Roberts’ legendary Mustang, Shy Boy, dive into Equine History, and laugh at some Really Bad Ads. Listen in….
HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3914 – Show Notes and Links:
Hosts: Jamie Jennings of Flyover Farm and Glenn the Geek
Jamie and Glenn's Amazon Store
Pic Credit: Benjamin Tutt and Shy Boy
Guest: Benjamin Tutt, husband of Jessica from Spalding
Prize: Tail Care Toolkit from TailCinch™
Prize: A $100 GC from the Equestrian Chocolate Company
Link: Equine Affaire HRN Meetup
Additional support for this podcast provided by: Spalding Fly Predators, Equine Network and Listeners Like You

Time Stamps:
00:29 - Shy Boy remembrance
05:55 - Daily Whinnies
12:57 - Horse Husband of the Month: Ben Tutt
17:02 - Hay baling test story
21:35 - First time riding & fly predators
23:15 - How Fly Predators are made
30:32 - This Day in Equine History
40:35 - Really Bad Ads

Dr. Jeff Hall, a managing veterinarian with Zoetis Equine Technical Services Team, talks about the use of sedation during hoofcare and other husbandry tasks.

What separates an unforgettable equestrian destination from a place that simply offers trail rides? Equestrian Travel Association founder Meghan Brady kicks off a new series exploring the deeper philosophy, culture, and standards behind exceptional equestrian travel. Drawing on her extensive industry experience, Meghan reveals the true behind-the-scenes indicators of a top-tier operation—going beyond beautiful landscapes to examine the physical condition and longevity of the herd, thoughtful management practices, and a culture of horsemanship that prioritizes mutual respect for both the horses and the riders.
HORSES IN THE MORNING Episode 3913 – Show Notes & Links:
Host: Meghan Brady of the Equestrian Travel Association
Presenting Sponsor: Equestrian Travel Association | Facebook | Instagram
Guest: Glenn the Geek of Horses in the Morning

Time Stamps:
02:31 - Today’s topic: evaluating equestrian vacations
03:29 - Horse welfare and guest experience
06:44 - Behind-the-scenes operations
08:38 - First impressions of horse condition
09:42 - When a barn “feels off”
12:36 - Cultural differences in horse care
18:26 - Staff, accommodations, and service
20:43 - Tack condition and fit
23:57 - Terrain, ride type, and expectations
26:17 - Planning your first equestrian vacation
27:28 - Using AI to research trips